CHAPTER 24 _THE WOODEN BOX_
Penny pulled the rope again and again, causing the huge bell to sway backand forth violently. It rang many times before Al Gepper succeeded inopening the tower room door.
His face was crimson with fury when he seized the girl, hurling her awayfrom the rope. With one quick toss he released the hooks of the silkenladder, stuffing the soft strands beneath his coat. The bell made a finalclang and became silent.
Penny retreated against the wall, anticipating severe punishment for heract. However, Al and his companions were more concerned with thoughts ofescape than with her.
"We've got to get out of here," muttered Al. "Come on!"
The two men on the floor had ceased their struggles. Painfully theyregained their feet. In this sudden emergency they had forgotten theirdifferences.
"What shall we do about the box in the tower?" Pete demanded, nursing aswollen eye.
"Leave it here," returned Al. "We can't save anything now. The police areapt to swoop down on us any minute."
Turning, he fled to the street. Pete and Slippery hesitated, thenfollowed. Penny heard a key turn in the lock. Even before she tested thedoor she knew she had been imprisoned in the tower room.
"They've escaped after all," she thought dismally. "But I may have savedsome of the loot. I'll take a look."
Quickly she climbed the iron stairs to the belfry. From the turret sheobtained a perfect view of the entire Lane. Al Gepper was running downthe street, while Pete and Slippery had turned toward the cemetery.
There were no other persons in the vicinity, Penny thought at firstglance. Then her heart leaped as she saw three men entering the Lane atits junction with the main street. They, too, were running.
"They must have heard the bell!" she told herself. "Oh, if only I canmake them understand what has happened!"
Her best means of attracting attention was by ringing the bell. Shepushed against it and was rewarded by a deafening clang.
The men stopped short, staring toward the belfry. Penny cupped her handsand shouted. Her words did not carry plainly, but the newcomers seemed togain an inkling of what was amiss, for they wheeled and began to pursuethe two who had taken refuge in the cemetery.
From her high perch, Penny saw Al Gepper nearing the end of the Lane,unobserved by all save herself. Tapping the bell again, she called:
"Get him, too! At the end of the street!"
One of the pursuers halted, turning toward the tower. In the moonlightPenny saw his face and recognized Jerry Livingston. He was close enoughnow to hear her voice.
"It's Al Gepper!" she shouted. "Don't let him escape!"
The reporter turned, but as he started off in the new direction, both heand Penny saw the fleeing man climbing into Leaping Lena. With a grindingof gears, he drove away. Jerry stopped, thinking that he never couldovertake the car.
"Keep after him, Jerry!" encouraged Penny. "The gas tank is almost empty.He can't possibly go more than three or four blocks!"
As the reporter again took up the chase, she began tolling the bell oncemore, determined to arouse everyone within a mile of the Temple.
Her energy was rewarded, for in another minute she heard the familiarwail of a siren. A police cruiser swerved alongside the tower, stoppingwith a lurch.
"What's the idea of ringing that bell?" demanded an officer, leaping tothe ground.
Tersely Penny explained the situation. The two policemen took a short-cutthrough a vacant lot, circling the cemetery. Darkness swallowed them, butpresently there came a muffled command to halt, followed by a revolvershot.
So excited was Penny that she nearly tumbled from the bell tower.Recovering her balance, she sat on the stone ledge, trying to remaincalm. Her nerves were jumpy and on edge.
"If only Jerry captures Al Gepper--that's all I ask!" she breathed.
As the minutes elapsed, it occurred to her that she had not yet searchedfor the loot which she believed to be hidden in the belfry. With questingfingers she groped beneath the ledge. For a short distance she feltnothing. Then she encountered a long wooden box.
Before she could open it, she heard shouts from the direction of thecemetery. Four men, two of them police officers, were marching Slipperyand Pete toward the Temple. As they came nearer she received anotherpleasant surprise. The two who had aided in the capture were her fatherand Salt Sommers, a photographer for the _Star_.
"Dad!" shouted Penny. "Can you get me down from this pigeon roost?"
Mr. Parker, separating from the others, came to the foot of the belltower.
"So it was you who sounded the alarm!" he exclaimed. "I might have known!How did you get up there?"
"I'm locked in. Dad, send the police to help Jerry. He's after Al Gepperwho rode off in my car."
The police cruiser was dispatched, leaving one officer to guard the twoprisoners. Mr. Parker unlocked the door of the tower room, releasing hisdaughter.
"You're all right?" he asked anxiously.
"Of course. Here's a little present for you." Penny thrust the wooden boxinto his hands.
"What's this?"
"I don't know yet. I found it hidden in the belfry."
"Penny, if you fell into a river you would come up with a chest of gold!"exclaimed the publisher admiringly.
"Open it quick, Dad."
Mr. Parker required no urging. The box was locked but he pried off thecover hinges, exposing the contents.
"A real treasure!" exclaimed Penny.
The box contained several bracelets, one of them set with rubies anddiamonds, countless rings, four watches, and several strings of matchedpearls.
"Stolen loot!" ejaculated the publisher.
"And what a collection!" chuckled Penny as she examined the separatepieces. "There's enough plunder here to start a jewelry store."
"Likewise sufficient evidence to put this Celestial Temple gang out ofcirculation for a long, long time," added her father.
"I learned a lot tonight, Dad. Wait until I tell you!"
"A scoop for the _Star_?"
"You'll be able to use your largest, blackest headlines."
Penny began to tell her story, interrupting only when Slippery and Petewere brought into the building handcuffed together. Starting again, shemade her charges, accusing Slippery not only of having committed theHenley burglary, but also of having robbed the Kohls and many prominentRiverview families.
After inspecting the jewelry found in the wooden box, one of the policeofficers definitely identified several of the pieces as stolen goods. Heexpressed an opinion that the jewelry had been hidden in the belfrybecause it was too "hot" to be disposed of by fences.
"The organization members had an agreement by which all shared in theloot," added Penny. "That caused trouble. Al Gepper and Slippery thoughtthey were taking most of the risk without sufficient return. So theypulled a few extra jobs of their own."
Before she could reveal more, the police car was heard outside theTemple. From the window Penny saw that Jerry and the policeman werereturning with Al Gepper who had been handcuffed.
"They've caught him!" she cried jubilantly.
The prisoner was brought into the Temple to be identified. He had beencaptured when Leaping Lena had stalled for lack of gasoline.
As Gepper was searched, the silken ladder, and various small objects wereremoved from his coat. Penny noticed two tiny rubber suction cups nolarger than dimes, and immediately made up her mind that later she wouldtry to obtain them. She was quite certain she knew their purpose.
Penny told her story and learned, in turn, that after she had telephonedJerry, he had traced her father, and with the police both had hastened tothe Hodges' cottage. Arriving there, they discovered that Gepper hadfled. Jerry, Mr. Parker, and Salt Sommers had immediately proceeded tothe Celestial Temple.
"It was lucky you rang that bell, Penny," chuckled Jerry. "If you hadn't,we never would have arrived here in t
ime."
"It was lucky, too, that Mr. Gepper tried to escape in Lena," shelaughed. "I guess my old rattle-trap has redeemed itself."
One of the officers picked up the silken ladder, examining it withcritical interest. He agreed that it had undoubtedly been used in manymysterious burglaries committed during the past month.
"It's obvious that Slippery approached the houses on the 'blind' side,and scaled the wall after hooking his ladder into a window ledge," Pennyremarked. "I suppose he reasoned that second-story windows nearly alwaysare left unlocked. But how did he learn the houses were deserted? Bytelephoning?"
"That would be my opinion," nodded the policeman. "If someone answered,he could hang up. Otherwise, he would be fairly sure the house wasempty."
"One night at the theatre I saw a man who resembled Slippery noting downthe license number of the Kohl car. But the house was robbed within a fewhours after that. How could he have obtained the name and address?"
"Easily. There are 'information fences' who supply such data to fellowmembers of the underworld. It is also possible that Slippery previouslyhad watched the Kohl house, obtained the car license number, and thenwatched for it later at the theatre."
Jerry already had supplied police with the name of the fence whoseestablishment Slippery had visited earlier in the day. Later, a raidstaged there brought to light much loot taken from various Riverviewhomes.
However, for the moment, police were most interested in gaining completeinformation which could be used in rounding up all members of theCelestial Temple Society who had not fled the city.
Searching Slippery they found, not only jewelry stolen from the Henleyresidence, but a booklet containing many names and telephone numbers.
"Sadie Beardsell," Penny read. "She's one of the members, I am sure."
Lest Mr. and Mrs. Hodges might also be arrested, she explained that theold couple had been an innocent dupe of Al Gepper. Turning to the mediumshe said:
"I think I know how you accomplished most of your tricks. Of course, youwere the one who sent Mrs. Hodges a letter with six dollars. Undoubtedly,you had it mailed by an accomplice from New York at exactly the hour youspecified. Then at that same hour you slipped up to the Hodges' cottage,and rapped six times on the bedroom wall."
"You seem to have everything figured out," Al Gepper respondedsarcastically. "Clever girl!"
"I saw how you made the spirit painting tonight at the seance," resumedPenny. "May I ask if that same method was used in regard to Mrs. Weem'spicture of Cousin David?"
She did not dream that the medium would answer her question. With a shrugwhich implied that the entire matter was very boring, he replied:
"No, the picture was painted with a solution of sulphocyanid of potassiumand other chemicals, invisible until brought out with a re-agent. Duringthe seance, an assistant sprayed the back of the canvas with an atomizer,bringing out the colors one by one."
"And how was the paint made to appear wet?"
"Poppy oil."
"One more question, Mr. Gepper. I never could understand how you wereable to raise the kitchen table at Mrs. Hodges' cottage."
"No?" Al Gepper smiled mockingly. "I assure you I had nothing to do withthat demonstration. It was a true spirit manifestation."
"I'll never believe that," declared Penny.
"Then figure it out for yourself," replied the medium. "You are such avery brilliant child."
Before the prisoners were led to the police car, Salt Sommers set up hiscamera and took a number of flashlight pictures for the _Star_.
"How about it, Mr. Parker?" inquired Jerry eagerly. "Are we putting outan extra?"
"We are," said the publisher crisply. "This is the big break I've beenhoping we would get! We should beat the _Record_ on the story by at leasta half hour."
The three men hurriedly left the Celestial Temple, with Penny trailingbehind them. At the main street intersection they finally obtained ataxicab.
"To the _Star_ office," Mr. Parker ordered. "An extra dollar if you stepon it."
"How about my pictures?" Salt Sommers asked, as the cab rocked around acorner. "They ought to be dandies."
"Rush them through as soon as we get to the office," Mr. Parkerinstructed. "If they're any good we'll run 'em on page one. Jerry, youhandle the story--play it for all it's worth."
Jerry glanced at Penny who sat very still between her father and Salt.Their eyes met.
"Chief," he said, "there's a sort of fraternity among reporters--anunwritten rule that we never chisel on each other's work."
"What's that?" Mr. Parker asked, startled. "I don't get it."
Then his glance fell upon his daughter, and he smiled.
"Oh, so it's that way! You think Penny should write the story?"
"I do, Chief. It's hers from the ground floor up."
"Please, Dad, may I?" Penny pleaded.
The cab rolled up to the _Star_ office, stopping with a jerk. Mr. Parkerswung open the door, helping her alight.
"The story is yours, Penny," he said. "That is, if you can crack it outfast enough to make the extra."
"I'll do it or die in the attempt."
"Keep to the facts and write terse, simple English--" Mr. Parker began,but Penny did not wait to hear his instructions.
With a triumphant laugh, she ran ahead into the _Star_ office. Her entryinto the newsroom was both dramatic and noisy.
"Big scoop, Mr. DeWitt," she called cheerily. "Start the old printfactory running full blast!"
Dropping into a chair behind the nearest typewriter, she began to write.
CHAPTER 25 _EXTRA!_
Penny stood at the window of her father's office, listening to thenewsboys crying their wares on the street.
"_Extra! Extra! Read all about it! Police Capture Three in Raid onCelestial Temple! Extra! Extra!_"
Mr. Parker rocked back in his swivel chair, smiling at his daughter.
"Your story was first-class, Penny," he said. "Thanks to you we scoopedthe _Record_. Tired?"
"I do feel rather washed out," Penny admitted. "Writing at high speedwith a deadline jabbing you in the back is worse than facing a gang ofcrooks. But it was exciting."
"You turned in a good story," her father praised again. "In fact, you mayas well take credit for breaking up that outfit of fake spiritualists."
"So far the police have only captured Al Gepper, Slippery and Pete.There's not much evidence against the others."
"True, but rest assured those who aren't rounded up will leave Riverview.The backbone of the organization has been smashed."
Penny sank wearily into a chair, picking up a copy of the _Star_ whichlay on her father's desk. Two-inch, black headlines proclaimed thecapture, and opening from the banner was her own story tagged with acredit line: _by Penelope Parker_. Salt Sommer's photographs had made thefront page, too, and there was a brief contribution by Jerry telling ofAl Gepper's attempted flight in Leaping Lena.
"Dad, you must admit that it was a stroke of genius when I bought backthat old car," remarked Penny. "Why, if it hadn't been for Lena, AlGepper surely would have escaped."
"That and the fact you always run your cars on an empty tank," respondedMr. Parker. "I suppose you foresaw the future when you made yourbrilliant purchase?"
"Not exactly. It was just a feeling I had--the same sort of hunch whichcame to me when I found the silken ladder at Kano's Curio Shop. If Idepended upon a mere brain to solve mysteries, why I'd be no better thanthe police."
"Your modesty overwhelms me," chuckled her father. "I'm thankful my otherreporters aren't guided by their instincts. Otherwise I might have ascoop a day."
"There's one thing which annoys me," Penny said, frowning.
"And what is that?"
"Two of Al Gepper's tricks haven't been explained. How was he able toraise a table and read a message in a sealed envelope?"
"I was talking to the Chief of Police about tha
t letter trick only thismorning, Penny. Magicians often employ it. Wasn't the message written ona pad of paper before it was placed in the envelope?"
"Yes, it was."
"Then very likely Gepper read the message from the pad. He could haveplaced carbon paper beneath the second or third sheets. Possibly heresorted to a thin covering of paraffin wax which would be lessnoticeable."
"Now that I recall it, he did glance at the pad! How would you guess helifted the table?"
"Were his hands held high above it, Penny?"
"Only an inch or two. However, he never touched the table. I was able tosee that."
"Could he have used sharp, steel pins held between his fingers?"
"I doubt it. But I think I know what he may have used! Did you notice twosmall suction cups which were taken from his pockets by the police?"
"Well, no, I didn't, Penny."
"The longer I mull over it, the more I'm convinced he used them to raisethe table. They could be held between the fingers and wouldn't beobserved in a darkened room. Dad, if I can get those rubber cups from thepolice, I'll have some fun!"
The telephone rang. It was Mrs. Weems calling to ask if Penny were safe.Mr. Parker replied in the affirmative and handed the receiver to hisdaughter.
"Penny, I just read your story in the paper," the housekeeper scolded."You never should have pitted yourself against those dangerous men! Ideclare, you need someone to watch you every minute."
"I need you," said Penny. "And so does Dad. Why not promise to stay withus instead of going away on a trip?"
"Of course, I'll remain," came Mrs. Weems' surprising answer. "I made upmy mind to that two days ago. You and your father never could take careof yourselves."
"What will you do with your inheritance, Mrs. Weems?"
"I hope your father will invest it for me," replied the housekeepermeekly. "One thing I know. No medium will tell me what to do with it."
The hour was late. Penny felt relieved when her father locked his desk inpreparation for leaving the office.
They walked through the newsroom, down the stairway to the street. Amiddle-aged man in a brown suit and derby hat alighted from a taxi,pausing as he saw them.
"Mr. Parker!" he called. "May I speak with you?"
The publisher turned, recognizing him. "Mr. Henley!" he exclaimed.
"I have just come from the police station," the advertiser said in anagitated voice. "I was told that your daughter is responsible for thecapture of the men who robbed our home tonight."
"Yes, Penny managed to have a rather busy evening," smiled Mr. Parker. "Ihope you suffered no loss."
"Everything was recovered, thanks to your daughter. Miss Parker, Irealize I never can properly express my appreciation."
"I was sorry I couldn't prevent the burglary," replied Penny stiffly. "Asit turned out, the capture of the crooks was mostly due to luck."
"You are too modest," protested Mr. Henley. "I've talked with the police,you know. I am truly grateful."
The man hesitated, evidently wishing to say more, yet scarcely knowinghow to shape his words. Penny and her father started to move away.
"Oh, about that contract we were discussing today," the advertiser saidquickly.
"Yes?" Mr. Parker paused.
"I've been thinking it over. I acted too hastily in deciding to cancel."
"Mr. Henley, please do not feel that you are under obligation," said thepublisher quietly. "Even though Penny accidentally did you a favor--"
"It's not that," Mr. Henley interrupted. "The _Star_ is a good paper."
"The best in Riverview," said Penny softly.
"Yes, it is!" Mr. Henley declared with sudden emphasis. "I tell you,Parker, I was irritated because of a trivial mistake in my firm's copy.I've cooled off now. Suppose we talk over the matter tomorrow at lunch."
"Very well," agreed Mr. Parker. "The Commodore Hotel at one."
Bowing to Penny, Mr. Henley retreated into a waiting taxi and drove away.
"How do you like that, Dad?" Penny inquired after a moment's silence.
"I like it," answered Mr. Parker. "The _Star_ could have limped alongwithout Mr. Henley. But the going would have been tough."
"He'll renew the old contract?"
"Oh, yes, and probably give us a better one. Stealing Mr. Henley's words,I am truly grateful."
Penny gazed at her father with twinkling eyes.
"Are those idle words, Dad? Or are you willing to back them in a materialway?"
"I might," grinned Mr. Parker. "Present your bill."
"Well, Dad, I've discovered to my sorrow that I can't support two cars onmy present allowance. I need a generous raise."
"You could get rid of Lena."
"Why, Dad! After her noble work tonight!"
"No, I suppose not," sighed Mr. Parker. "You've earned an increase, and Imay as well grant it."
"Retroactive to the time I started working on the story," added Penny. "Ifigure if you pay back allowance, I'll be solvent once more!"
"You drive a hard bargain," chuckled the publisher. "But I'll agree."
Arm in arm, they started on down the street. Rounding a corner of the_Star_ building they abruptly paused before the plate-glass window towatch a long, unbroken sheet of white paper feed through the thunderingpress. Freshly inked newspapers, cut and folded, slid out one upon theother to be borne away for distribution.
"It's modern magic, isn't it, Dad?" Penny said reflectively as the greatmachine pounded in steady rhythm.
"Yes, Penny," her father agreed. "And for this edition, at least, youwere the master magician!"
THE END
Transcriber's Notes
--Replaced the list of books in the series by the complete list, as in the final book, "The Cry at Midnight".
--Silently corrected a handful of palpable typos.
--Conforming to later volumes, standardized on "DeWitt" as the name of the city editor.
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